The International Network of Liberal Women (INLW) held a gathering during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women that took place in New York from March 11-22, to bring attention to human rights violations committed against women by Polisario separatist forces in the Tindouf camps located in southwestern Algeria.
Entitled “Exploring the Feminization of Poverty,” the conference addressed the dire conditions of women in the camps.
The organization expressed concern over the “seriousness” of the poor living conditions, “heightened tensions,” and acts of violence against women by separatist groups in the camps, leading to rallies and demonstrations.
The network’s experts and activists have urged the international community to take swift action to end these women’s rights violations. They have also demanded that legal action be taken against the culprits, as well as the immediate release of all women detained in these camps.
Khadija Oum Bachair El Morabit, President of INLW, underscored the persisting injustices against women in the Tindouf camps, including rape, discrimination, extreme poverty, and human trafficking.
She applauded the courage of women who have spoken out against atrocities despite being threatened, referring to the story of Khadijatou Mahmoud, a Sahrawi woman who she asserted was raped by Brahim Ghali, the Leader of the Polisario militias.
El Morabit stated that such injustices against women are “shameful” in the 21st century, particularly when the country in which they occur prohibits any contact with the victims, further creating obstacles to addressing these violations.
INLW is an international NGO founded in 1990 in the Netherlands to advocate for liberal principles and empower women worldwide, promoting individual freedom, human rights, and social justice through its members in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Asia-Pacific.